Re: Christmas Bourbon

I got a decanter set with two glasses, but no bourbon. But, I bet I could find something lying around to put in it...Now I just need to find out if it is lead free crystal.

Me too! My wife gave me a really nice pair of Riedel Single Malt glasses. I noticed that the Reidel Bourbon glasses are lead free whereas the Single Malt are not. I've read comments in some threads that leaded crystal is not recommended for some tastings. Can anyone explain why?

Re: Christmas Bourbon

Originally Posted by WsmataU

Me too! My wife gave me a really nice pair of Riedel Single Malt glasses. I noticed that the Reidel Bourbon glasses are lead free whereas the Single Malt are not. I've read comments in some threads that leaded crystal is not recommended for some tastings. Can anyone explain why?

Apparently alcohol in prolonged contact with lead crystal will leech some of the lead out of the crystal and into the liquid. For tastings I wouldn't think the whiskey would be in contact with the glasses long enough to pick up anything more than traces, but I suppose it could still affect the taste.